How to start Windows 98/Me in Safe Mode

Windows 98/Me includes the System Configuration Utility. If you can start the computer normally into Windows, this is the easiest--and the recommended--way to restart the computer in Safe mode.

To configure the System Configuration Utility to start the computer in Safe mode:

1. Close all open programs.
2. Click Start, and then click Run. The Run dialog box appears.
3. As shown in this illustration, type msconfig and then click OK.



4. The System Configuration Utility, as shown in this illustration, appears. (It may look slightly different in Windows Me.) Click "Advanced."



5. The Advanced Troubleshooting Settings dialog box appears. Check Enable Startup Menu as shown here, and then click OK. Click OK again when the System Configuration Utility reappears.



6. You will be prompted to restart the computer. Click Yes. The computer will restart in Safe mode. (This can take several minutes.)

NOTE: When you are finished with all troubleshooting (in Safe mode) repeat these steps, but in step 5, uncheck "Enable Start-up Menu," and then close all programs and restart the computer as you normally would.

Last updated: February 11, 2003

Landa Enterprises
Anthony Landa
10 McKinley Avenue Suite 14
Dumont, NJ 07628
(262) 705-3521
landa@landaenterprises.com